Ireland first at countering second hand smoke

Ireland ranks first in Europe in terms of protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke pollution, according to the results of a new European Commission funded research project.

It follows tests for carbon monoxide levels in over 2,250 people in Ireland at sporting events, music festivals, schools, colleges and hospitals since March 2006 and similar research in other EU countries.

The report says there is a clear link between the pollution of lungs by carbon monoxide and the effectiveness of a total smoking ban.